News Archives: Viva Italia! GPRC President's Ball 2011
Monday, September 12th, 2011
The rich flavours of Italy - an environment known for its art, its romance, its fashion, wine and food - are the inspiration for Viva Italia! GPRC President's Ball 2011, to be held October 22 at the Crystal Gardens in downtown Grande Prairie. The organizing committee, co-chaired by Patricia Trout and Christina (Tina) Nelson, has been vigorously planning the event since early spring to ensure that Ball patrons experience the richness of Italy in an atmosphere of colourful elegance. Plans include a delicious "festa Italiano" dinner, dancing to The Urbanites, and numerous fabulous raffle and auction items including Gucci jewellery and a trip to Italy. Trout and Nelson both served as committee members for a few years prior to assuming their roles as co-chairs, and bring a wealth of organizing experience from this and other community events such as the annual Art Auction for the Prairie Gallery. "We are honoured to participate in what is sure to be another successful President's Ball," say the co-chairs. "The Committee has embraced the Italian theme with an enthusiasm that is contagious and it has been very exciting to watch everyone's hard work and creative energy come together. We feel overwhelmed by the generous spirit and support of our community and look forward to welcoming guests and volunteers alike to an elegant evening in support of GPRC. Viva Italia!" The President's Ball is one of two major fundraising events hosted by the College each year, which combine to make a significant contribution (over $181,000 in 2010-2011) to scholarships and to student life at GPRC. Titanium sponsor Canadian Tire is a longtime supporter of the President's Ball, and together with major sponsors Janina's Jewellery, Windsor Ford, Fabcor, Towne Centre Furniture, Risley Enterprises, Northern Mat & Bridge and Wapiti Gravel provide a strong basis of support upon which the event is built. The many other corporate sponsors and gift-in-kind donors ensure the fundraising success of the Ball. "It is the amazing generosity of our community which makes this event such a success," says Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO of GPRC. "We are very grateful to our sponsors, to the patrons who attend the Ball in support of GPRC, and to our volunteer committee. The tireless work of Tricia and Tina and their team will result in an amazing evening for all of us - and will make a significant and appreciated difference for our students. Thank you all."